Giving THANKS to our Veteran's and Active Military Members

Here is a BIG shout-out to our Veteran's and Active Military Members.....Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do to keep Our Country safe!!

Are you a Veteran or active in the Military? If so, Applebee's is showing their appreciation for your services by inviting you to EAT FREE at any of their restaurants this Wednesday in celebration of Veteran's Day. Simply, show proof of military service and they'll pick up the tab!

Learn about your FIVE senses

On Wednesday, the Saratoga State Park will be having a class on the introdcution to your five senses for kids in grades K-2nd. The class is at 11am at the State Park, so call TODAY for reservation - 584-2000, ext: 119. The cost is $3 per person / $5 per family.

Movie Night in Malta - The Wizard of Oz

The Malta town Youth Commission will have a showing of

The Wizard of OZ

tomorrow (Tuesday) night from 6:30pm - 8:30pm for all Malta families! They will provide free popcorn and drinks. Registration is required, so call 899-4411.

Dress as your favorite Wizard of Oz character...prizes will be awarded to Best Dressed!

This Weekend's EVENTS!!

Lots of things to do this weekend:

• Parents Night Out the YMCA
• Katrina Trask Fall Consignment Sale
• Mini-Rodeo Parade in Downtown Glens Falls - Check out The Savvy Calendar
• Rodeo at the Glens Falls Civic Center
• Craft Fair and Fall Festival in Greenwich
• Holiday Reindeer Open House at the Saratoga Springs Library

Have fun with your family!!

Craft Fair and Fall Festival in Greenwich this Saturday!

The Greenwich Elks Auxiliary is having their first-ever Craft Fair and Fall Festival this Saturday from 9am - 2pm. The Elks Lodge is located on Route 40 in Greenwich and admission to the event is free. Vendors will be selling items such as: Handmade quilts and knitted items, goat milk soap and lotions, candy, leather goods, hand-crafted bowls made from old records, along with many more items!!

So head on down to Greenwich to get a head start on you Holiday Shopping!

Children's Consignment Sale - TOMORROW AND SATURDAY

Fall Children's Consignment Sale

Katrina Trask Nursery School is holding its semiannual consignment sale on Friday, November 6th (3-8pm) and a half-price sale on Saturday, November 7th (9am-1pm) at the American Legion (34 West Ave., Saratoga Springs).

Everything you need for children: furniture, toys, books, videos, baby gear, maternity and nursing clothes, and children's clothes for infants to children's size 10/12. The sale offers a tremendous selection of excellent-quality items. In addition to raising money to help run the cooperative nursery school, they are reaching out to families and charities in need within the community to supply them with free clothing and gear by donating unsold items following the sale. The sale also has become a great event for the community as a way for parents to connect, clean out their closets, and buy great-quality clothing and toys at terrific prices.

Visit the Katrina Trask Nursery School website

Holiday Reindeer Open House

This Sunday from 2pm - 4pm, the

Saratoga Springs Public Library

is hosting a
Holiday Reindeer Open House.

See Bob Smith's live reindeer

Talk about caribou with author Bruce Hiscock and draw a reindeer with Bruce's help

Our Latest Sponsor, The City of Glens Falls

Please welcome Saratoga Savvy's latest sponsor,

The City of Glens Falls.

Glens Falls has come quite a long way from what it used to be not so many years ago. The downtown area, also known as Glen Street, has lots of shops, eateries, and a brand new, modern library. They also have many events and street festivals throughout the year to enjoy with your family. With the holidays approaching, their annual Hometown Holiday Festival will be held on Friday, December 4 from 5:30pm- 8pm. The festival will include a Tree Lighting Ceremony at City Park, music, and special downtown events. You will also have to check out the shop windows which will be decorated by LARAC artists!

For more information on the City of Glens Falls or more information on their upcoming events, click HERE!

SS is now using Constant Contact!

Saratoga Savvy is now using Constant Contact. If you aren't a member, join TODAY!

Click HERE

Western Rodeo Weekend at the Glens Falls Civic Center

The 17th Adirondack Annual Stampede Charity Rodeo returns to the Glens Falls Civic Center, Friday, November 9 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, November 10 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are still on sale! Some of the world’s top competitors will compete in the seven standard rodeo events: bareback bronc riding, tie-down roping, saddle bronc roping, team roping, bull dogging, barrel racing, and bull riding.The Adirondack Stampede Charity Rodeo is sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA), which awards cumulative points throughout the rodeo circuit as well as top prize money. Unlike most rodeos, the proceeds from the Adirondack Stampede Charity Rodeo are donated to local children’s charities.

Tickets are still available...we just got ours yesterday! Call: 518 -798-0202

Click HERE for more details!

YMCA Parents' Night Out - This Saturday, Nov 7th - Reserve your spot today!

The YMCA in Saratoga, is having it's third of 4 Parents' Night Out this

Saturday, November 7th.

This is a great opportunity for parents to have a night out on the town!! Bring back date night, ladies or guys night, or movie night! Every Parents' Night Out event will have a theme and the children will enjoy activities related to that theme through games, crafts, and/or a movie. Parents' Night out is for children ages 8 weeks to 9 years old. You must reserve a spot prior to the night of the event....so call NOW! To get more information or reserve a spot,
Call Erin Wilkinson at 583-9622.
Time: 6:00 to 8:30pm
Fee: $15/child

The next Parent's Night Out is December 5!

Breakfast with Santa at the Wilton Mall - Make your reservation TODAY!

I can't believe I'm saying this, but Christmas is less than 2 months away!

The Wilton Mall is getting ready for their annual

Breakfast with Santa

on Saturday, November 14, 2009

Reservations are required and begins TODAY, November 1st

The Wilton Mall will be hosting their annual breakfast with Santa on Saturday, November 14th at 8:30AM. Come enjoy a free breakfast, fun crafts, music and more!

Saratoga Fall Festivities

The Fall Festivities in Downtown Saratoga are not over yet....there is still lots of activities scheduled for tomorrow. Click here for details: Saratoga Festivities

Also, the Childrens Museum at Saratoga is hosting an event tomorrow from 2pm - 4pm. Enjoy storytelling, leaf-rubbings and a visit from our friend Stuffee who will show us inside the human body!

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween!!
Have fun trick or treating with your family tonight!!

Just a reminder that there are alot of activities happening in the area today...

check out the blog entries from earlier this week!

Be Safe and Enjoy!

Halloween at the Children's Museum at Saratoga

Halloween at the Children's Museum at Saratoga...
This Saturday, the Children's Museum at Saratoga will transform its exhibits into an afternoon of Halloween fun. Trick-or-Treat throughout the Museum with friends and family anytime between 1pm and 4:30pm. When you are done trick-or-treating, join in the community room for more Halloween games. Kids, come dressed for the occasion, and parents too!

Don't Forget...
October 31st and November 1st are the Downtown Business Association's Fall Festival days, filled with activities for the whole family. Join us at the Children's Museum November 1st from 2pm to 4pm to enjoy storytelling, leaf-rubbings and a visit from our friend Stuffee who will show us inside the human body! Free!

Time is Running Out...
There are only a few days left to buy your raffle tickets!
Raffle: Breakfast with the Firemen
The raffle winner and family will receive an invitation to have breakfast at the Lake Avenue firehouse followed by a tour of the facility.
Tickets are $5.00, available at the front desk at the Children's Museum.
The drawing will take place on Sunday, November 1st.
Get your tickets today!

Glens Falls Trick or Treat Walk

Beyond Saratoga County!
Get on your Halloween Costumes and head on down to Glens Falls for a Trick or Treat Walk from 5pm to 8pm tomorrow evening. Kids will be able to display their costumes and trick or treat along Glen Street. There will also be a performance of "Thriller" by the Glens Falls Ballet & Dance Center at the Wood Theater, 207 Glen Street - 5pm, 5:30pm, 6pm, and 6:30pm (Free admission)

A Wonka Halloween

Do you remember Wonka Bars from when you were a kid?
Have you ever passed the huge, stone house on North Broadway?

As seen in Saratoga Today, The Palazzo Riggi (yes, it's someone's house!) at 639 North Broadway, is inviting anyone and everyone to their house on Halloween from 4pm - 9pm for an 'Enchanted Evening'. They will be giving away Two Golden Tickets(worth $100 ea) hidden among the 1000 Wonka Bars. They will also have hot cider and donuts, as well as a Posh Palazzo Pups Book Signing. And last, but not least, they will have a Pumpkin Weight Contest. Drop off your guesses anytime now through Halloween night and get the opportunity to win a one year family membership to the Saratoga YMCA!

Enjoy!!

Howlin' Halloween

Halloween is just around the corner!

Do you and your kids have their costumes ready? There are lots of events happening this Saturday to celebrate this ghouly and spooky holiday. One fun event for the whole family is the 8th Annual Fall Festival in Downtown Saratoga on Saturday, October 1 and Sunday, November 1. There will be lots of activities for all ages including a Hay Maze, Pumpkin contests, Children's Costume Parade, Horse and Trolley rides, and much more.

Check out the following links for Saturday and Sundays event schedule, as well as the Trolley Route Map. Have a howlin' good time!!!

Official Program:
www.saratogadowntown.com/documents/ff2009-page1.pdf

Saturday's schedule:
www.saratogadowntown.com/documents/ff2009-page4.pdf

Sunday's Schedule:
www.saratogadowntown.com/documents/ff2009-page5.pdf

Trolley Map:
www.saratogadowntown.com/documents/ff2009-page7.pdf


If you go to this event, please comment on the Saratoga Savvy site afterwards!!

I'm Back!

So I'm back from my maternity hiatus! Our new little addition was born in the end of September, a little over a month ago, and it's been so enjoyable bonding and spending time with her!! After some much needed time off, I need and want to get back into the groove of the Saratoga Savvy blog! I hope you've missed me and all the blog has to offer about what's happening for families in Saratoga County!!!

Since going on hiatus back in mid-September, I've thought alot about the website and the improvements that I want to make. Some of these changes have already taken effect and some I'm still working on. So please return to the website often for new and improved features......it's always a work in progress!!

We also have some new advertisers that we'll be featuring over the next few months, so keep a look out!

And of course, if you ever have any suggestions, please feel free to email me at savvymom@saratogasavvy.com

~Jenna

Hiatus

Saratoga Savvy will be on hiatus for a few weeks because I am expecting a baby. Check back in a few weeks for some great new events!!

Scarecrow Contest at Malta's Community Day

Interested in making a scarrrrry or funnnny Scarecrow? This is a fun opportunity for the whole family to spend time together and possibly win a prize at the same time.

This Saturday, September 19th is Malta's 21st Community Day at Shenantaha Creek Park. One of the many events is a Scarecrow Competition where you can compete for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards in both the youth and adult categories. Entry forms can be picked up at the Malta Community Center, call today 518-899-4411.


Malta's 21st Community Day

Malta's Community Day will take place from 10:00am - 4:00pm on Saturday (rain date on Sunday). It's going to be a fun event for the whole family and is free! Through out the day you can enjoy, musical entertainment, food, bounce houses, pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, games, balloon sculptures, a talent show, a Tae Kwon Do demonstration, and much, much MORE!

Monarch Butterfly Workshop

As the leaves are changing and fall approaches, it's also the peak time of year for the Monarch Butterflies migration! This Thursday, September 17 at the Saratoga Spa State Park, you can learn about the life cycles of the Monarch Butterfly and their abilities to fly long distances. This event is a one hour long hike for families. The fee is $3/person or $5/family. Registration is required, call 518-584-2000 x119.

BUGS!

Children's Museum

Theme of the Week : BUGS

Don't Miss It!! Check out their website!!

Beyond Saratoga County : The Hyde Museum

This past weekend, I went to the Hyde Museum in Glens Falls to view the Edgar Degas exhibit, which was wonderful and educational, and shouldn't be missed! Degas' paintings and sculptures are truly breathtaking, so take advantage of seeing his work right in our backyard!

Now, I know that Glens Falls is not in Saratoga County, but I wanted to spread the word on some great exhibits / workshops that the Hyde Museum has for tots.

Now through October 13, each Tuesday, the Museum will be hosting Tights & Tutus Tuesdays in honor of the Degas exhibit. Adults accompanied by their children dressed in tights or tutus will received half-priced general admission to the Degas & Music Exhibit.

Also, on Tuesdays is Tours for Tots, where you can enjoy a guided tour and art-making session with your child. The workshop is geared for ages 3-6 and children need to be accompanied by an adult. You can enjoy the workshop every Tuesday from 3-4pm and admission is $3.

For older kids, the Museum has a workshop each Wednesday from 2-4:30pm for children aged 6-12. ARTfull Afternoons is a drop-in program where kids can learn about the Museums works of art as well as artists techniques.

For the entire family, the Museum hosts a Family Workshop one Sunday a month from 1-3pm, where families can tour the Museum and then interact with other families in creating an art project together. Tours meet in the Museum lobby.
Family Workshop Themes

September 20 - Discover Day: Art in America
October 18 - Discover Day: Elements of Art
November 15 - Discovery Day: 20th Century Art (The Murray Collection)
December 20 - Discovery Day: Impressionist Landscapes (The Thomas Clark Collection)

Wilton Annual Open House at Scout Pond

The Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park’s Annual Open House is this Saturday, September 12th, 12 noon to 4pm, at the Camp Saratoga parcel on Scout Road in Wilton.

Admission is free, open to the public, and will take place rain or shine. The Annual Open House offers an array of fun and educational activities, walks, and programs for all ages. This year’s Open House will also have a silent auction to raise funds for its children’s environmental education programming.

Beth Bidwell of the Wildlife Institute of Eastern New York will captivate children and adults alike with live birds of prey and reptiles between 12noon and 3pm. As she presents each animal, she will discuss their adaptations and characteristics. Beth has a Bachelors Degree in biology, coursework in education, and over fourteen years of experience in environmental education and ecology. Her informative and humorous presentations are appreciated across Upstate New York. Ballston Spa National Bank sponsors Beth’s appearance.

Area naturalist Kenneth Barnett will also be at the Open House to dispel myths and share facts about area snakes.

Children will enjoy supervised hands-on exploration of Delegan Pond, guided nature explorer walks, an interactive nature display, age-appropriate environmental crafts, and a scavenger hunt that encourages them to explore the event. All children who complete the scavenger hunt will be eligible for a prize.

Numerous partner organizations and enterprises will have exhibit tables stocked with interesting and informative displays and materials. Scout troop 24 will host a barbecue with hamburgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers and associated items for sale.

As mentioned, there will be a silent auction to raise funds for children’s environmental education programming. During the year, the Preserve & Park engages 1,400 children through indoor and outdoor elementary school programs, scout programs, and general public children’s programs. The programs’ goals are to increase awareness, knowledge and appreciation of the ecologically significant communities beyond our backdoors; share the joy, excitement and health benefits of being outdoors; convey the ability and power to make a positive difference; and increase the population of the endangered Karner blue butterfly and other at-risk species. A winter scavenger hunt, family snowshoe day, nature’s recycling program, and a series on water are examples of general public children’s programming over the past year. Most programs are free. Silent auction items include free kayak rentals from Eastern Mountain Sports, a glider ride courtesy of Saratoga Soaring Association, gift certificates from Olde Bryan Inn and Longfellow’s, tickets to the Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom, a meal cruise on the Lake George Steamboat Company’s Lac du Saint Sacrement, a gift certificate to Hair & Body Essentials in Clifton Park, tickets to an Albany Rivers Rat game, items from Wild Birds Unlimited, a young child’s hand knit Irish sweater, and an Adirondack gift basket.

For more information, please call 450-0321

Farm Fest 2009

This Saturday and Sunday, September 12 and 13, celebrate the local farms of Clifton Park. This event is a drive-it-yourself tour of many farms in the area, which include farm tours, apple picking, hayrides, animal and horse rides, local music, and food! Participating farms include:

Riverview Orchards
Double B Farms
Bowman Orchards
Predel's Ranch
Shepherd's Hey Farm
Schauber Stables
As well as the Amity Reformed Church, Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library, and Vischer Ferry Fire Station.

Download and print the pamphlet below for all the information on the Clifton Park Farm Fest 2009! http://www.cliftonpark.org/townhall/parks-rec/pdf/FarmFest2009.pdf

Baby Massage Classes at SS Library

Baby Massage Classes

The Saratoga Springs Public Library, along with Linda Addario, LMT and PTA, will be hosting 3 Baby Massage classes for parents of babies up to 6 months of age. Wednesdays, September 16, 23, and 30 from 6:00pm - 6:45pm, you can learn techniques to soothe and calm your baby. Please plan on attending all three sessions. Registration begins this Thursday, September 10 at 9:00am.

Fall Registration at Saratoga Springs Library

The Saratoga Springs Public Library has many programs and workshops this Fall for all ages. Residents of Saratoga Springs City School District can register in person or by phone this Thursday, September 10 at 9:00am. All others can register on or after September 14.

Programs/Workshops include:

Toddler Story Times
Ages 24-42 months, September 21 - November 30
Mondays - Fridays, 9:30am - 9:50am

Saturday Family Story Time (no registration required)
Ages 2-5
September 26 - November 21
Saturdays 11:30am - 12:00pm

Preschool Story Times
Ages 42 months - 5 years
September 21 - November 30
Mondays - Thursdays 10:15am-10:45am; On Tuesdays and Wednesdays there is an additional storytime at 2:00pm-2:30pm

Library Babies (no registration required)
Under 24 months
Fridays: September 24 - December 4; Drop in between 10:30am and noon
Saturdays: September 26 - November 21; Drop in between 10:00am and 11:00am

Fall Parenting Programs include:

Parenting Take 2: For Grandparents and Non-Parent Caregivers
Thursdays, Sept 24-Oct 29; 12:30pm - 1:45pm

Strengthening Families; Tuesdays, Sept 29 - Nov 17, 5:40pm - 7:45pm

Raising Responsible Children and Teens; Thursday, October 15, 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Parenting Wisely Workshops; Thursdays, October 22 & 29 & November 5, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Parents as Advocates
September 30: Supporting Your Child's Homework Efforts
October 21: Bullying & Harassment of Students with Special Needs
November 18: Your Home Routine: Creating Rules of the Road

*For more information on programs and dates, please contact the Saratoga Springs Public Library at 584-1198

Hiking on Burl Trail

This Wednesday, September 9, get your boots and gear together for a hike through Saratoga Spa State Park on the Burl Trail. You can enjoy the first signs of Fall and the amazing wildlife of the Park on this nature hike that will be lead by a local Naturalist. The hike begins at 2:00pm and is $5 per family. If you're interested, call 584-2000 ext 119.

Parents' Night Out at the YMCA

Tonight at the YMCA in Saratoga Springs, is the first of 4 Parents' Night Out. This is a great opportunity for parents to have a night out on the town!! Bring back date night, ladies or guys night, or movie night! Every Parents' Night Out event will have a theme and the children will enjoy activities related to that theme through games, crafts, and/or a movie. Parents' Night out is for children ages 8 weeks to 9 years old. You must reserve a spot prior to the night of the event....so call NOW! To get more information or reserve a spot, call Erin Wilkinson at 583-9622.

Dates for upcoming Parents' Night Out:

September 5

October 3

November 7

December 5

Time: 6:00 to 8:30pm

Fee: $15/child